Snapshots

Women undergo hysterectomy for various reasons including clinical problems (such as fibroids and heavy bleeding), to non-clinical factors (such as to improve sexual function). Research now indicates that women’s satisfaction after a hysterectomy is linked to improvements in quality of life. An eight-year study of 207 women who suffered from pelvic problems and had had a hysterectomy found that nearly 64% reported being “satisfied” one year after the hysterectomy, while 21% reported being “somewhat satisfied”.  It’s no surprise that women whose symptoms disappeared after the procedure, and women who had pelvic problems that interfered with their sex lives and quality of life, were most likely to report being satisfied. The findings illustrate the importance of health care providers discussing both clinical and non-clinical reasons to consider hysterectomy, since satisfaction may vary greatly depending on the reason the woman is considering a hysterectomy.   
AHRQ, September 2010

Although there have been improvements in abortion training since the 1990s, and training is now more available, stigma still surrounds the procedure in professional medical environments.  Many obstetrics and gynecology (ObGyn) residents are fully trained to perform abortions and intend to provide these services after their residency — but may face obstacles in making their intent a reality. A qualitative study of 30 recent ObGyns found that professional obstacles can affect decisions and abilities to provide abortion services, including formal and informal employer policies and fear of alienating colleagues and co-workers. The authors note that new physicians may lack the authority and support to offer abortion services in their practices, and that the desire to avoid professional conflict often trumps physician’s intentions to provide abortions. 
Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, September 2010

It turns out that “friends with benefits” (a term describing a friend who is also a casual sexual partner) isn’t just for the younger generation. The Center for Sexual Health Promotion reports that, of those interviewed over age 50, 25% have “friends with benefits” and used a condom the last time they had sex. Even worse, many report they have never been tested for HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. According to 2005 data from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), people aged 50 and older accounted for 15% of new HIV/AIDS diagnosis. It appears the younger generation is more responsible than the older adults about using condoms. Studies estimate that half of all adolescents are sexually active and a majority of sexually active boys aged 14-17 indicated they used a condom the last time they had sex.  Now is the time to start HIV prevention counseling for our older counterparts!
New York Times, October 2010